New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India on Monday voiced concerns over the appointment of Professor Naima Khatoon as Vice-Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), highlighting possible bias due to her husband’s involvement in the selection process. The Bench—comprising Chief Justice B. R. Gavai, Justice K. Vinod Chandran, and Justice N. V. Anjaria was hearing petitions filed by professors challenging the Allahabad High Court’s decision upholding her appointment.
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal argued that the process was compromised because Professor Mohammed Gulrez, then Acting VC and Professor Khatoon’s husband, chaired the Executive Council meeting that shortlisted her name. “If this is the way Vice-Chancellors are appointed, I shudder to think what will happen in future,” he remarked.
Chief Justice Gavai observed that recusal should have been the proper course of action. “Certainly, the husband’s participation when the wife’s name is under consideration raises doubts. Things should not only be done properly but also be seen to be done properly,” he said. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, however, defended the process under the “doctrine of necessity,” arguing that participation under certain circumstances does not invalidate the appointment.
During proceedings, Justice K. Vinod Chandran recused himself due to a prior association with one of the petitioners. The case has now been reassigned to another bench.
Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati defended Professor Khatoon’s appointment, highlighting her strong academic record and her historic status as the first woman Vice-Chancellor of AMU.
